AFP: BRP Sierra Madre troops have sufficient supplies despite China's interference

Make this your preferred source to get more updates from this publisher on Google.

Troops aboard the BRP Sierra Madre at Ayungin Shoal still have sufficient supplies despite the rescheduling of a rotation and resupply (RoRe) mission following interference from Chinese vessels, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said Wednesday.

In a virtual interview, AFP spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad said the troops' morale also remains high despite the rescheduling.

“Ang kasundaluhan naman sa BRP Sierra Madre have sufficient supplies. At yung moral naman nila, mataas naman kahit hindi pa sila, sanay naman sila na kapag hindi kaagad makauwi, sanay sila doon,” he said.

(The soldiers in the BRP Sierra Madre have sufficient supplies. And their morale is high. They are used to not being able to go home right away.)

Chinese vessels interfered with the Philippine RoRe mission to Ayungin Shoal on September 24.

According to Trinidad, Philippine vessels had previously been able to approach BRP Sierra Madre within about 15 nautical miles before encountering China Coast Guard (CCG) and People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) vessels.

During the latest mission, however, Trinidad said Chinese vessels were detected when the Philippine ships were about 16 nautical miles.

The Chinese vessels also closed in less than one nautical mile from the Philippine vessel, while sending threatening messages.

“There were reports of the engine of the [BRP Lapu-Lapu] not performing well. Hindi naman siya bumigay. Maalon, madikit yung mga barko ng PLA at ng China Coast Guard. It was a judgment call of the commander of Western Command to reschedule the RoRe,” Trinidad said.

(There were reports of the engine of the BRP Lapu-Lapu not performing well. It did not break down. The PLA and China Coast Guard ships were close, so it was a judgment call of the commander of Western Command to reschedule the RoRe.) — RSJ, GMA News